Getting your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge, or simply transporting it for storage, can be the most challenging part of a paddling trip. A cumbersome and awkward carry can drain your energy before you even dip a paddle. The good news is that you don’t need to struggle or spend a fortune to make kayak transport simple and secure.
Whether you need a cart to roll your kayak across the beach or a rack system for your car roof, there are excellent and affordable solutions available. We have compiled a list of eight reliable products designed to take the hassle out of kayak transportation. These options will help you protect your investment and save your back, ensuring you start and end your adventure on a positive note.
Our Top Picks for Secure Kayak Transport
- MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- GanFindX Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
- Suspenz Kayak Canoe Transport Cart
- Ulticor Kayak Cart, Puncture-Free Wheels
- 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack
- Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier (Pair)
- Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier Rack
- Thule Hull-a-Port XT Kayak Carrier
MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
This heavy-duty trolley from MorTime is built for stability and ease of use. Its solid aluminum frame and sturdy double-leg kickstand can support kayaks weighing up to 165 pounds. The high-strength anodized steel construction promises long-term durability, making it a reliable companion for many seasons.
The cart features large, 10-inch solid knobby tires made from high-quality PU material. These tires require no inflation and are designed to roll smoothly across challenging surfaces like sand, gravel, and wooded trails. Thoughtful design elements include foam bumper pads on the arms to protect your kayak from dents and a tool-free, spring-loaded kickstand for quick setup and folding.
GanFindX Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
The GanFindX kayak cart is a versatile and portable option designed to make transport effortless. It features an adjustable and foldable frame, allowing for compact storage when not in use. The package includes tie-down straps, providing everything you need for a secure hold on your watercraft.
This cart is offered in different styles to match your specific needs. You can choose an upright standard design for lightweight, easy transport of smaller kayaks, or opt for the heavy-duty version with a reinforced frame for greater stability with heavier models. For the toughest terrain, a crossbar style with large foam wheels is available to handle sand and gravel with ease.
Suspenz Kayak Canoe Transport Cart
For those who need to move heavy kayaks across rough ground, the Suspenz All-Terrain cart is a super-duty solution. With a remarkable 300-pound load capacity and a powder-coated steel frame, this trolley is built for strength and longevity. It is designed to handle all types of terrain, with the notable exception of soft beach sand.
A key feature is its oversized 15-inch airless wheels that will never go flat, eliminating a common point of failure. The cart comes with two sets of extra-long cam buckle straps to prevent load shifting. Its adjustable “Bunker Bars” can be set in five different positions to securely fit a wide variety of hull shapes, including V-shaped, flat-bottom, and even tunnel or catamaran hulls.
Ulticor Kayak Cart, Puncture-Free Wheels
The Ulticor kayak cart combines versatility with robust construction. It can accommodate various sizes and shapes of kayaks and canoes, supporting up to 260 pounds. This makes it a suitable transport solution for nearly all paddlers who own different types of watercraft.
You can say goodbye to flat tires with this cart’s 100% puncture-proof, all-terrain wheels. The design emphasizes ease of use, featuring a snap-and-lock kickstand and a tool-free assembly that lets you set up or break down the cart in seconds. Durability is ensured through reinforced composite plastic, stainless-steel axles, and thermoplastic elastomer hull pads that protect your kayak’s finish.
2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack
This set provides a simple and cost-effective solution for carrying your kayak on your car’s roof. The package includes two pairs of J-bar style racks, complete with all the necessary mounting hardware. This allows you to transport multiple kayaks securely on a single trip.
The steel J-bars are designed with adjustable padding, which provides both carrying strength and protection for your kayak. The wide mouth of the J-bar offers easier loading and unloading. For security, the set includes high-quality, 10-foot-long ratchet straps with a 600-pound break strength, and the racks feature a rust-resistant coating to ensure a long product life. They fit most factory or aftermarket square, oval, and flat crossbars.
Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier
The Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier is a premium, user-friendly option known for its reliability and smart design. This carrier is built to make loading and securing your kayak a one-person job. Its folding J-hooks lay flat when not in use, improving your vehicle’s aerodynamics and making it easier to load other gear.
These carriers are constructed from durable materials and feature a robust clamping mechanism to ensure a solid hold on your roof crossbars. The JayLow is designed to accommodate a wide range of kayak sizes and is praised for its stability at highway speeds. It is a trusted choice for paddlers who want a hassle-free and secure roof-mounted transport system from a leading brand.
Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier Rack
The Malone SeaWing offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance. Its unique wing-like design cradles your kayak securely, minimizing the risk of damage during transport. The design is particularly good for kayaks with more pronounced hull shapes.
This carrier is straightforward to install on most crossbars and includes everything you need for setup. The padded cradles and included straps work together to hold your kayak firmly in place. For kayakers looking for a reliable, no-fuss carrier that provides great value, the Malone SeaWing is a consistently recommended option.
Thule Hull-a-Port XT Kayak Carrier
As part of Thule’s renowned lineup, the Hull-a-Port XT represents the high end of kayak transport, offering superior security and innovative features. It is engineered for extreme durability and is capable of handling heavy kayaks with ease. The carrier’s design focuses on providing a stable and safe journey, even over long distances.
A key benefit is its easy-to-use tilt function, which allows for side-loading, making it much simpler to get your kayak onto the roof of taller vehicles. The carriers are also foldable when not in use, reducing wind resistance. For the serious kayaker who demands the best in quality, convenience, and peace of mind, the Thule Hull-a-Port XT is a top-tier choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Affordable Kayak Transport Method
Getting your kayak from your home to the water is one of the biggest hurdles in the sport. I’ve tried nearly every method out there, and I know that finding a secure and affordable solution is key. You don’t need to spend a fortune to transport your kayak safely. The best choice for you depends on your vehicle, the type of kayak you have, and how often you travel. Let’s break down what I look for when choosing a transport method.
First, consider your vehicle’s roof. Do you have a bare roof, factory rails, or crossbars? This is the most important factor. If you have a naked roof, you’ll need a system that includes pads or a rack. Foam blocks are a classic, low-cost solution for bare roofs. They cradle the kayak and are held in place with straps. If you have factory side rails, you might just need some simple J-style or stacker cradles that bolt on. For vehicles with existing crossbars, your options open up significantly to more stable cradle or roller systems.
Next, think about your kayak. A short, recreational plastic kayak is much more forgiving than a long, heavy touring or composite boat. Heavier kayaks need a more robust system with sturdy cradles and strong straps. Lighter kayaks can often get by with simpler solutions like foam blocks or even just strapping them directly to crossbars with protective pads. The hull shape matters, too; a rounded hull might sit better in J-cradles, while a flatter hull can be fine on stackers or foam blocks.
Straps are the unsung hero of kayak transport. I never use rope. You need purpose-made ratchet straps or cam buckle straps. Ratchet straps can be over-tightened and damage your kayak, so I prefer cam straps made of nylon webbing. They are strong, easy to use, and less likely to crush your hull. Always use bow and stern lines as a backup safety measure. These lines prevent the kayak from shifting dramatically if a main strap fails.
Finally, consider your frequency and distance. If you’re just going down the street to a local lake a few times a year, a minimal setup like foam blocks is perfect. If you’re a weekend warrior hitting the highway regularly, investing in a more permanent, low-profile rack system is worth it for the ease and added security. No matter which of the 8 best and affordable ways to transport a kayak securely you pick, the goal is the same: a kayak that arrives at your destination as safely as it left your home.
FAQ
What is the absolute cheapest way to transport a kayak?
If you’re on an extreme budget and have a vehicle with a bare roof, a set of foam blocks and cam straps is your best bet. You can find these for well under fifty dollars. The foam blocks cradle the kayak and protect your car’s roof, while the straps loop through the car’s doors to hold everything tight. It’s not the most elegant system, and loading can be a bit of a balancing act, but I’ve used it successfully for years on sedans and SUVs alike. Just remember to always use bow and stern lines for extra security on the highway.
Can I just transport my kayak in the bed of my truck?
Absolutely, and this is a very popular method. For shorter kayaks, you can simply lay them in the bed with the tailgate up. For longer kayaks, you’ll need to have the tailgate down. The critical step here is to use a red flag on the end of the kayak that extends beyond your vehicle to alert other drivers. More importantly, you must secure the kayak properly. Use sturdy straps to tie it down to the truck’s bed anchors. Don’t just rely on the friction of the kayak sitting in the bed; a sudden stop could send it sliding out.
How tight should my kayak straps be?
This is a common concern. You want the straps to be tight enough that the kayak cannot move side-to-side or lift off the roof, but you don’t want to crank them down so hard that you deform the hull of your kayak. A good rule of thumb I use is that you should not be able to easily twist the strap more than 90 degrees with your fingers. If you’re using ratchet straps, be very careful, as it’s easy to over-tighten and cause damage. Cam straps are generally safer in this regard.
Do I need a roof rack to transport a kayak?
No, you do not strictly need a dedicated roof rack. As mentioned, foam block kits are designed for vehicles without any rack system. There are also temporary, suction-cup-based roof racks on the market, though I advise researching their weight limits and user reviews thoroughly before trusting them at high speeds. While a proper roof rack (crossbars and cradles) offers the most security and ease of use, it’s not a mandatory purchase to start kayaking.
What is the difference between J-cradles and stackers?
J-cradles hold the kayak on its side, cradled in a “J” shape. This is great for saving space if you want to carry multiple kayaks or have a narrow vehicle. Stackers, sometimes called saddle-style cradles, hold the kayak upright on its hull. I find stackers are often easier to load a kayak onto by yourself, as you can just lift one side and then the other. Both are excellent choices, and your decision might come down to personal preference and what fits your specific crossbars. Choosing between these options is a key part of finding one of the 8 best and affordable ways to transport a kayak securely for your setup.
Are bow and stern lines really necessary?
In my opinion, yes, they are a necessary safety backup. Your main roof straps are doing the heavy work of holding the kayak down to the rack. However, bow and stern lines (also called tie-downs) act as a fail-safe. They attach the front and back of the kayak to the front and rear of your vehicle, preventing the kayak from shifting forward or backward in a sudden braking situation or if a main strap were to fail. It only takes an extra minute to attach them and provides significant peace of mind.